AMONG the strongest players in the Penang property market is SunwayBhd, which launched one of its best-selling projects in Bukit Mertajam called Sunway Wellesley six years ago.

Phase 1 of the RM800 million Sunway Wellesley consisted of 31 units of three-storey shop offices. The shop offices were handed over in September 2016.

The second phase featured 11 units of three-storey shop offices which were completed last year. Phase 2 also had 154 units of three-storey townhouses and 60 units of three-storey semi-detached houses launched in 2014.

The third phase is Sunway Wellesley Garden Villas, where the owners received their keys early last year.

Taking advantage of the demand growth for properties in Penang, the group launched Sunway Property@Anson in the heart of George Town, about 1km away from Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang, in July last year.

Sunway Property@Anson is the first of its kind green building index gold certified sales gallery and regional office in Penang.

Conceived as a showcase green building, it was carefully designed with thermal envelope and energy efficiency to reflect Sunway’s commitment to sustainable development.

Sunway Property has also collaborated with the Penang state museum and art gallery to support the arts through heritage conservation and arts promotion.

From this collaboration, the company launched “City Walker”, created by Penang born sculptorLow Chee Peng, with the theme, “Community Building”, which represents its pledge to grow alongside the community and its commitment to be part of Penang’s sustainable growth.

Managing director of the property development division for Malaysia and Singapore, Sarena Cheah, has said the group will be busy in Penang for several years with projects that have a combined gross development value of RM5 billion.

One of the major development plans on Penang island is Sunway Valley City, a RM2 billion integrated project in Paya Terubong.

Sunway will also build a 150-bed hospital in Seberang Jaya on the mainland.

Sunway Property (Penang) general manager Ahila Ganesan said: “Penang was named the world’s top food destination by Lonely Planet in 2014 and was on CNBC’s list of the world’s top 10 retirement destinations for last year. Penang is still a thriving city to live every dream, learn without limits, have a work life balance in a safe, healthy and connected environment.

“This is similar to the concept of ‘Living Sunway, Living Community’ which we have always practised. We always work to foster closer relationships between the communities, nurturing community growth and the needs of the stakeholders that live in our townships. Hence, an integrated development with allthese concepts will give a sense of fulfilment to home buyers.”

Ahila said Sunway Property will be launching Sunway Valley City, the first integrated development on Penang island, spanning 9.9ha.

“We are gearing up for more sustainable developments on Penang island and Seberang Prai,” she told NST Property.

Food also plays a role in driving people to Penang.

“Penang is known as a food paradise. However, there are other factors that contribute to the demand for property and the prices. For example, the location, overall features of the development and the reputation of the developers,” she added.